Which professions drink the most coffee? (is yours on the list?)
Coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s fuel for the overworked, the sleep-deprived, and the deadline-chasing. But for some jobs, coffee isn’t just a pick-me-up. It’s a full-blown survival strategy.
A survey by Pressat found that certain professionals practically run on caffeine, downing multiple cups a day just to function.
Sound familiar? Whether you’re sipping a fresh brew or nuking yesterday’s leftovers, let’s dive into the careers that take coffee obsession to a whole new level.
1. Journalists and Media Staff
With deadlines closing in and the news cycle never slowing down, it’s no shock that media pros top the list of professions that drink the most coffee.
Journalists practically run on caffeine. Late nights, early mornings, and breaking news keep them on their toes, and coffee is often the only thing standing between them and total burnout. It’s not just a boost—it’s a lifeline.
Writers, on the other hand, treat coffee like a creative co-pilot. Take one look at their desks, and you’ll find a graveyard of cups—some empty, some half-full, all essential.
Whether they’re fighting off writer’s block, polishing an article, or chasing their next big idea, coffee is always in the mix.
2. Police Officers
Police officers and coffee—it’s the ultimate duo. And let’s be real, the stereotype exists for a reason.
Long patrols, emergency calls, and overnight shifts demand constant focus. That’s where coffee steps in. It’s the go-to fuel, often grabbed on the run and sometimes paired with a donut (because why not?).
Most police stations keep a pot brewing around the clock, making sure there’s always a fresh cup ready—no matter the hour, no matter the chaos.
3. Teachers & Professors
Wrangling a room full of energetic students is no joke. Throw in lesson planning, grading, endless meetings, and admin work—all before the first bell—and it’s clear why teachers run on coffee.
Peek into any teacher’s lounge, and you’ll spot a coffee pot that never gets a break. Walk into a classroom, and you’ll see half-finished cups scattered across desks.
Teaching isn’t just a job—it’s a caffeine-fueled marathon, putting it on the list of professions that drink the most coffee in the world.
4. Plumbers, Electricians and Trade Workers
Hands-on jobs are tough. Climbing ladders, squeezing into tight spaces, lifting heavy gear, and braving rough conditions—it’s exhausting. That’s why plumbers, electricians, and trade workers swear by coffee to power through.
For many, the day kicks off with a pit stop at a coffee shop or gas station. A quick caffeine boost, and they’re ready to take on whatever the job throws their way.
5. Medical Staff (Nurses, Doctors, EMTs)
Doctors and nurses don’t just drink coffee—they depend on it. With life-or-death decisions, marathon shifts, and the physical and emotional toll of patient care, caffeine isn’t a luxury. It’s survival.
Hospitals keep the coffee flowing with in-house cafés and espresso machines, but here’s the real struggle—finding a moment to actually drink it before it turns ice cold.
6. Company Executives & Entrepreneurs
The corporate world moves fast—back-to-back meetings, high-stakes decisions, and nonstop strategy sessions. To keep up, executives turn to one thing: coffee.
Whether it’s an espresso in the boardroom, a cappuccino between meetings, or a cold brew over financial reports, caffeine keeps them sharp. And with top-tier coffee machines (or even an in-office barista), they never have to worry about running dry.
Entrepreneurs take coffee addiction even further. Building a business takes insane energy, and when sleep isn’t an option, caffeine steps in.
From pitching investors to fine-tuning products, they’re always on the move. Their brew of choice? Whatever keeps them going—espresso shots, cold brew, or pour-overs, depending on the chaos of the day. For them, coffee isn’t just a habit. It’s fuel for survival.
7. Telesales & Call Center Workers
Telesales and customer service pros live on the phone—fielding nonstop calls, solving problems, and keeping their energy up no matter what comes their way. Staying sharp and upbeat all day? That takes fuel.
Enter coffee. It’s their go-to for staying focused, engaged, and ready for the next call. That’s why many call centers keep the break room stocked with unlimited refills—because sometimes, caffeine is the only thing keeping the momentum going.
8. Software Developers & IT Professionals
Step into a tech office, and you’ll see it—espresso machines, cold brew taps, and a coffee station that never runs dry.
Why? Because software developers and IT pros run on caffeine. Whether they’re deep in code, troubleshooting a crash, or pulling a late-night debugging session, coffee keeps them sharp and in the zone.
For them, it’s not just a pick-me-up. It’s part of the job, putting them up high on the list of professions that drink the most coffee.
9. Retail Workers
Retail workers are always hustling—greeting customers, managing stock, ringing up sales, and answering every question thrown their way. Staying sharp and friendly all day? That takes fuel.
Enter coffee. It’s what helps them power through every “Next customer in line, please!” with a real smile. Whether it’s a quick sip in the stockroom or a pre-shift coffee run, you can bet most start (and sometimes end) their day with a cup in hand.
10. Truck Drivers & Delivery Workers
For truck drivers and delivery workers, staying alert isn’t optional—it’s the difference between making it safely or not. Long hours, unpredictable schedules, and overnight hauls make coffee more than a habit. It’s survival.
Gas stations, diners, and truck stops get it. They keep the coffee flowing, from classic drip to shockingly good espresso. It might not always be fancy, but one thing’s for sure—coffee keeps drivers sharp, focused, and ready for the long road ahead.
These jobs may down the most coffee, but they’re not the only ones. From creative agencies to customer service teams, caffeine fuels workers everywhere.
Whether it’s a rushed morning espresso, a midday boost, or a late-night grind, coffee is the unsung hero of the workday. So next time you take a sip, know you’re part of a global ritual—keeping the world running, one cup at a time. Cheers!
